I urge you all to do the same: do your homework and figure out what big companies that you frequent have adopted a policy of hiring only part-time workers in order to avoid giving them health insurance, then start buying from ethical companies instead.
The people have spoken, they don't want single-payer health care, or the public option. They want a mainly private market for health insurance. That means the private sector and private citizens must participate to avoid the free-rider economic problem.
The good news is, it's America and there are a bazillion casual dining options, not to mention a bazillion of everything else. We're spoiled for choice as consumers. There have to be a few who will do the right thing... and wouldn't mind marketing themselves as such.
"But won't lots of smaller local businesses start giving their employees only part-time hours, too?" you ask. They may indeed, at first. But large chains like Florida-based Darden (the owner of Red Lobster, Olive Garden and Longhorn Steakhouse) are an easier target. Indeed, let's not put mom-and-pop places in the same category as a mega-corporation like Darden that can spread the cost of health insurance across a larger pool, and should be able to fit this in their cost structure. It's the huge chain establishments that put cost pressure on local and mom-and-pop establishments, not vice-versa. So if health insurance for all employees becomes the accepted ethical norm among Big Business, it will be easier for smaller competitors to follow suit.
The boycott this year against Hyatt Hotels, "the worst employer in the hotel industry," by the NFL players, Sierra Club, AFL-CIO and 5,000 other individuals and organizations shows that high-profile, organized action against irresponsible corporations can be successful.
UPDATE (12.20.2012): Daily Kos labor reporter Laura Clawson noted that Darden Restaurants' profits have dropped 37 percent since their public complaints about Obamacare and their intent to cut employee's hours. Darden has since back-tracked slightly -- to no avail, apparently.
UPDATE (12.20.2012): Daily Kos labor reporter Laura Clawson noted that Darden Restaurants' profits have dropped 37 percent since their public complaints about Obamacare and their intent to cut employee's hours. Darden has since back-tracked slightly -- to no avail, apparently.
By Sandra Pedicini
October 7, 2012 | Orlando Sentinel
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